Also Wins PMA For Infrared Imaging EVS

L-3 Communications told ANN recently its L-3 Avionics Systems (L-3 Avionics) subsidiary has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the IRISTM infrared imaging system aboard the King Air C-90, as well as Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"Since its introduction in October, IRIS has generated tremendous interest," said Adrienne Stevens, President of L-3 Avionics. "The King Air C-90 STC is just the beginning. We have additional installation and certification efforts underway for many different platforms."

The STC approval has been performed by L-3 Communications Aeromet in Tulsa, OK with Designated Alteration Station (DAS) services provided by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems in Greenville, TX. The current STC covers the IRIS system displayed on the KMD 850, and L-3 is actively pursuing additional display options. L-3 Avionics is contracting with a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) service to help expand the scope of aircraft applicability for the current STC, while continuing its certification efforts for other aircraft make and models.

"The patented L-3 technology makes IRIS the best Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for General Aviation on the market," said Ms. Stevens. "It's affordable, proven technology, with excellent image clarity, solar immunity and a continuous image."

This revolutionary system provides improved visibility of almost any object, day or night. IRIS displays a real-time, gray scale image of the runway environment, other aircraft, terrain, people, animals and obstacles on a cockpit display. These images provide pilots with better situational awareness during taxi and ramp operations and an additional horizon reference during departure and approach. At night and during poor visibility conditions, IRIS helps pilots see obstacles that are invisible to the naked eye. During the day, pilots can see obstacles otherwise obscured by bright oncoming light or solar glare.

IRIS' patented Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) detector technology offers unsurpassed image clarity of 320 x 240 pixels. This generates the lowest spatial noise under the most challenging conditions and guarantees a clear image. Unlike other infrared systems that feature microbolometer technology, BST technology makes IRIS immune to solar radiation and provides an uninterrupted, continuously calibrated image, even during turns and maneuvers. Competing infrared technologies periodically cycle a shutter for recalibration, which causes images to be washed out and unusable.

FMI: www.L-3Avionics.com/IRIS